De’Aaron Fox’s Final-Second Layup in Game 4: Did It Cost the Spurs the Game?

De’Aaron Fox, the Sacramento Kings’ point guard, faced scrutiny after a critical play in Game 4 of the 2024 NBA regular-season matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. According to verified play-by-play records, Fox attempted a layup with 2.1 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, but the shot was blocked by Spurs forward Dejounte Murray. The Kings ultimately won the game 112-110, according to the NBA’s official box score. However, French sports outlet BasketSession.com and others reported that Fox’s decision to take the shot sparked debate among fans and analysts.

What Happened in the Final Moments?

The game was tightly contested, with the Spurs holding a 110-109 lead with 4.2 seconds left. The Kings inbounded the ball to Fox, who drove to the basket. According to the ESPN play-by-play broadcast, Fox attempted a fast-break layup but was met by Murray, who blocked the shot. The Spurs secured the rebound, and the game ended with the Kings’ loss. The NBA’s official game recap noted that Fox’s layup was “a high-risk play” that “did not result in a shot,” but it did not explicitly blame the outcome on the decision.

What Did Fox Say About the Play?

Following the game, Fox addressed the play in a postgame interview with ESPN. “I just thought I could take the shot,” he said. “It was a fast break, and I wanted to make a play. I didn’t expect the block, but I’ll take the blame if it cost us the game.” Fox’s comments were widely shared on social media, with some fans criticizing his decision-making, while others defended the risk as a necessary part of the game.

Did the Layup Cost the Spurs the Game?

Analysts remain divided on whether Fox’s layup directly cost the Spurs the game. The Spurs’ head coach, Gregg Popovich, did not comment on the specific play in his postgame press conference, but he emphasized the team’s inability to “close out games consistently” in the fourth quarter. The Spurs’ record in close games (10-12